Though medical marijuana is legal in the state, it is not permitted under federal law.

Federal authorities have cracked down on prescription pot shops and many towns — confused whether to abide by California or federal statute — are trying to figure out their policies on dispensaries.

The News has more details on what happened in Solana: under California’s “initiative” statute, it seems, “the city had the choice of either passing the ordinance brought forth by the Patient Care Association or sending it to ballot after the advocacy group collected signatures of the necessary 10 percent — or about 800 –of Solana Beach voters. The Solana Beach council voted unanimously to hold an election.”